Carers scorecard illustrates need for more home supports – Butler

Published on: 14 July 2016


Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Older People Mary Butler says the publication of the Family Carers Ireland Scorecard on the National Carers Strategy reinforces the need for a serious expansion of home care and home help.

“While many positives are acknowledged in this report, it is also evident that the deficiencies in home care provision are having a negative impact on many people,” said Deputy Butler.

“The report further highlights how patients are being discharged from hospital without a documented care plan or the required supports in place to help families perform their caring role in ‘a safe and dignified manner’.

“We need to see a sustained increase in home care support. Despite putting an extra billion into the Budget for 2016, there was no increase in home care packages and home help hours. The number of home help hours is still some one million behind what was provided in 2010.

“This must be addressed in the next Budget. While the Programme for Government does pledge an increase in home care, there are no specific details outlined.

“In 2015 the HSE estimated that some 2.2 million extra hours of home help and a further 3,500 home care packages for older people are required. I would like to see such additional resources being provided over the next three budgets.

Concluding, Deputy Butler paid tribute to Family Carers Ireland for their work and their advocacy.

“Supporting carers in our society is a key priority for Fianna Fáil. Our policy is strongly in favour of supporting care in the community and enabling people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.”

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